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A recent survey by HSBC revealed that a significant percentage of wealthy entrepreneurs are considering adding a new residence in the coming year, with Gen Z entrepreneurs leading the pack in wanderlust. Surprisingly, the majority of respondents cited reasons other than tax efficiency for their potential move, such as expanding their business to new markets or gaining access to new investment opportunities. The desire for a better quality of life also ranked high among respondents, showing that taxes are not the sole driving factor for where these entrepreneurs choose to live.

Despite the potential wealth tax proposal in France and recent tax changes in the U.K. causing concerns about a wealth exodus, the survey found that interest in moving among U.S. respondents was relatively low. Those who did express interest in moving were more likely to prioritize experiencing a new culture over other factors. Switzerland emerged as a standout destination where attaining a better quality of life was a major draw, reflecting the diverse motivations driving high-net-worth individuals in their relocation decisions.

After 13 years at Microsoft, principal software engineer Scott Sutfin-Glowski is resigning due to the company’s continued sale of cloud services to the Israeli military amidst the conflict in Gaza. In a letter to colleagues, Sutfin-Glowski cited his refusal to support what he considers to be “the worst atrocities of our time.” The engineer’s departure follows ongoing protests from employees regarding Microsoft’s business ties with the Israeli military, resulting in the firing of five employees. Despite Microsoft’s previous statement about halting certain services to an Israeli Ministry of Defense division, controversies regarding the use of Microsoft products by the military persist, leading to Sutfin-Glowski’s decision to leave the company.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian reassured CNBC that the airline’s operations are currently unaffected by the federal government shutdown, but expressed concerns that if the shutdown extends another 10 days, there could be potential disruptions. This comes as more than 13,000 U.S. flights faced delays this week, with shortages of air traffic controllers being a contributing factor.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted a slight increase in sick calls among air traffic controllers, further exacerbating concerns about the strain on the aviation industry. With thousands of federal employees, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, working without pay, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious. While Delta has not experienced any negative impacts yet, Bastian stressed the need for a prompt resolution to avoid potential disruptions in the near future.

A study published on Wednesday revealed that most European small and mid-sized enterprises are prioritizing artificial intelligence systems over basic digital tools, losing ground to larger firms investing in core digital systems. While large corporations are embracing AI software and scaling up investments, small businesses in Europe often lack the expertise and infrastructure necessary for successful digital transformation. This shift towards AI technologies is aimed at automating tasks and reducing costs, but it is also leading to job cuts that are reshaping entire industries.

The survey, conducted by French fintech Qonto, found that while 46% of European SMEs use AI tools daily, they lag behind in implementing essential digital tools such as digital accounting, video conferencing, and data analytics. This inconsistency poses a potential threat to Europe’s economic backbone, highlighting the need for small businesses to build strong digital foundations for long-term growth and innovation. The report suggests targeted interventions to close Europe’s digital gap, including reducing regulatory burdens in Germany, addressing skills shortages in Spain, and overcoming cultural resistance in France to strengthen competitiveness in the face of better-equipped rivals leveraging AI technologies.

As the federal government shutdown entered its seventh day, staffing shortages caused flight delays and disruptions at airports across the U.S. on Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration reported issues at major airports and air traffic control centers, leading to slowed takeoffs and potential disruptions in the aviation system. Despite this, the majority of flights departed on time, but concerns grew about the impact on holiday travel plans in November if the shutdown persists.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted an increase in air traffic controllers calling out sick, leading to reduced takeoffs and delays. Union leaders for air traffic controllers and TSA workers expressed concerns about their ability to pay bills and maintain financial stability during the shutdown. Aviation unions and airlines called for an end to the shutdown as soon as possible, while airports like Tampa International Airport implemented support programs for federal workers affected by the shutdown.

Even as the IPO market begins to show signs of recovery, startups are choosing to stay private for longer periods of time, fueled by alternative capital. Data from Renaissance Capital shows that the median age of companies going private has increased from 10 years in 2018 to 13 years in 2024. This trend is further supported by a study from the University of Florida, which found that the average age of companies going public has more than doubled between 1980 and 2024.

The surge in alternative investments and private capital, from sovereign wealth funds to venture capital, is providing enough capital for today’s tech startups. Private equity assets under management have been increasing at over 15% annually and are expected to double to around $25 trillion in the next decade. With new digital marketplaces allowing employees to sell shares of private companies, the need for going public to raise capital is diminishing. While private equity and venture capital firms argue that the best growth stage for startups is in the early years, the influx of capital and high valuations in recent years may signal a turning point for the industry.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the ongoing impact of the partial government shutdown on air traffic control staffing, leading to delays at airports across the country. The Federal Aviation Administration reported issues at major hubs like Nashville and Newark, with flights being held and reduced in number due to staffing shortages. Despite controllers and TSA officers working without pay, more absences are being reported, raising concerns about safety and operational efficiency.

With severe weather compounding the challenges, the situation echoes a previous shutdown in 2019 that disrupted air travel and pressured lawmakers to find a resolution. As flight delays mount and controllers take sick leave, the need for a swift end to the standoff becomes increasingly urgent. The ramifications of the shutdown on air traffic control highlight the broader implications of government impasse on critical infrastructure and public services.